Will coffee sober a person up? How about taking a painkiller before going to bed if you've been drinking? Will a shot of bitters quell the headache and upset stomach? What about water? There are many theories floating around attempting to help us get rid of a hangover, but some don't work, and others could be dangerous.
1) Coffee to sober you: Nice theory, but wrong. The caffeine in coffee will make you more awake, but not sober. On top of that, you'll add anxiety and nervousness to the mix.
2) A painkiller before bed: It won't help and it may do you considerable harm, particularly if you choose something with acetominophen in it. The combo of alcohol and that pain killer can do permanent damage to your liver. Aspirin and alcohol can cause bleeding in the stomach, as well.
3) A shot of bitters: This product is actually a type of orange liquor...basically more alcohol. This may temporarily help, but in reality it is only putting off the inevitable. The hangover will return later.
4) Water: Drinking water and sports drinks can help. Alcohol causes dehydration, which can lead to the headache and dry mouth associated with this problem. If you start the night before, you may be slightly ahead the next morning. Taking a glass of water or other beverage that doesn't contain alcohol between beers, etc. could also be beneficial.
5) Women have it worse than men: To a certain extent, yes. Women are likely to get drunk faster and with less alcohol than men, due to the amount of water in the body. Men have more than women, thus it takes less.
6) Wine won't cause this problem: One aspect of that achy head feeling are the other constituents of your drink of choice. Red wine contains substances that can cause an allergic reaction, especially headaches. Colored drinks of any sort also contain constituents that cause problems. If you're going to drink and you want the best shot of avoiding pain, try beer or any clear beverage, such as vodka.
7) Diet drinks don't count: The calories may be reduced, but the chances of an unhappy morning not only persist, they may be worse. On the other hand, if you use a fruit juice or other sugar base, the intensity may be lessened.
8) The order you consume it can prevent the problem: Only if it reduces the total amount consumed. That's the key, the less you drink the less likely the hangover.
There are some herbal preparations and hints that may help you deal with this problem. As mentioned above, water and sports drinks are key. They will rehydrate and restore lost electrolytes. Avoid willow bark, as it can cause the same problems aspirin does.
A cool damp rag placed on the forehead can help reduce the headache. Licorice root and marshmallow root can help coat your stomach, reducing the nausea. If you aren't vomiting, peppermint tea could be helpful. It does not feel good coming back up, so don't use it if you are throwing up.
My eBook the Complete Guide to Complementary Remedies, has information from all of my mini books, plus much more. Topics include:
• Blood pressure: Page Eleven
• Depression: Page Fourteen
• Kidney stones: Page Fifty-Six
• Herbs and weight loss: Page One Hundred Two
• Interaction list: Page One Hundred Fifteen
Our site has information on many topics and my five eBooks about herbal remedies. You can also download my free report, the Top Ten Herbs. It details ten popular herbs, their uses, side effects, precautions and drug interactions. If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me: mary@healing-home-remedies.com
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